CBS’ Survivor returned for its 25th (!) season last night with a 3.1/10 in adults 18-49 and 11.2 million viewers. That was down 9% in the demo from the veteran series’ premiere last fall when it did not faceThe X Factor and is the show’s lowest-rated fall debut ever. In total viewers, Survivor was up 5% for the franchise’s most watched season opener since September 2010. Following the 90-minute Survivor premiere, the newly renewed Big Brother closed out its 14th-cycle finale with a 2.5/7 in 18-49, down 14% from last year’s finale and its lowest-rated summer finale ever.

After its bloody faceoff with The Voice last week, Fox’s The X Factor (3.5/10) rebounded a bit, up 6% from last Wednesday’s fast national. (The X Factor is usually adjusted up in the finals.) Fox (3.5/10, 9.4 million) won the night in 18-49 and total viewers. ABC and NBC aired reruns, the CW’s Oh Sit! (0.4) was flat.

4 Comments

TV observer • on Sep 20, 2012 8:56 am

X-Factor is really strong this season. I think it’s going to continue to grow. Something about it just feels fresh — like they’ve refreshed the competition show concept. I’m the biggest cynic about these things, but somehow I’m getting hooked. The Voice feels tired to me. Maybe it will be helped by the new judges in the spring — that could give it a jolt of fresh energy. Big Brother Finale was one of the best in recent memory. Very good show. Not loving The New Normal or Go On (from the other night).

Walter M. • on Sep 20, 2012 8:56 am

I totally agree about X-Factor, tuned in out of curiosity and I’m hooked now. You have to ignore a lot of fake reality footage but they’ve really knocked it out of the ballpark with the last 2 audition episodes. Like this Missouri country singer Tate Stevens from last night, amazing voice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q8IAwaGNqg

Room Meat • on Sep 20, 2012 8:56 am

OMG!!!

I love Tate too!

Cherubic, shiny face. Quality facial hair. Impressive pipe.

Hope he wins!!!!

Justin • on Sep 20, 2012 8:56 am

“the newly renewed Big Brother closed out its 14th cycle finale with a 2.5/7 in 18-49, down 14% from last year’s finale and its lowest-rated summer finale ever.”

As long as bitter juries continue to ruin this game, the ratings will keep falling.